2022 Leaving Cert should be run on same hybrid basis as last year
As the school term comes to an end, Labour Education spokesperson Aodhán Ó Ríordáin has called on the Minister for Education to run this year’s Leaving Cert on the same basis as was used in 2021.
Deputy Ó Ríordáin said:
“Final year second level students have been through a huge amount of disruption over the last two years, with rolling school closures, and significant upheaval in their learning environment because of the Covid-19 pandemic. The loss of in person teaching in fifth year combined with the interruptions since September due to teachers not being available and the impact of substitutions should inform what we do next.
“The Minister for Education should make a quick decision to run the Leaving Cert for 2022 on the same hybrid basis as last year. The Minister must accept that the education experience for students is still being negatively impacted by the pandemic.
“By bringing certainty for students now, the Minister will remove any confusion for the rest of the school year by accepting again that the hybrid system of written exams and calculated grades will be needed again in 2022.
“None of us want to be in this position, but it is only fair to give students clarity now, and ensure that the next six months there is a defined path in place for Leaving Cert students.
“Returning to the old rigid exam system that was last in place in 2019 will also be step backward when the system is in urgent need of radical reform.”